Financial Aid

General Information

The goal of the financial aid program at the Boston University School of Theology is to help students find ways to meet basic educational costs while attending the School. Qualified students are encouraged to apply for financial aid at the School of Theology and also to seek aid from denominational agencies, local churches, and other sources outside the School.

The School of Theology accepts and applies the principles of student financial aid approved by the Association of Theological Schools in the United States and Canada (ATS). Most accredited seminaries follow these principles as the fairest guide to distribution of financial aid. Their application helps to eliminate financial considerations as a primary reason for choosing a theological school.

All students who meet the minimum qualifications for eligibility may apply for financial aid. Qualifications include financial need, merit, academic standing, and registration for at least 8 credit hours. Special Students are not eligible to receive financial aid. All School of Theology students benefit from reduced tuition at Boston University.

To qualify for full-time financial aid, a student must register for 12 to 18 credit hours per semester. Partial assistance may be awarded to degree candidates who register for 8 to 11 credit hours per semester. Students who register for more than 18 credit hours must pay an extra per-credit charge. Aid is not awarded to assist in paying for overload credits (in excess of 18 per semester). No student registered for less than 8 credit hours is eligible to receive financial aid.

All scholarships, fellowships, and awards are subject to satisfactory academic progress, need, financial aid eligibility documentation, and the availability of funds. The School of Theology maintains a rolling admissions policy for all master’s degrees, which means that there is no cut-off date for acceptance into the School for those degrees. However, it is in the student’s best interest to be admitted to the School of Theology as soon as possible. Financial aid is awarded on a first-come, first-served basis.

Application for Financial Aid

Students first indicate that they need financial aid at the School of Theology by checking off the box in the “Financial Aid” section on the School of Theology Application for Admission. All students applying for financial aid must complete all required financial aid application materials (STH Online Financial Aid Application and FAFSA—see below). New student deadlines are June 15 for Fall Semester and December 1 for Spring Semester. Returning students must complete all financial aid requirements by May 25 in the current academic year for the Fall Semester. Returning students must also be fully compliant with the University and registered for the upcoming semester before financial aid can be processed for the next academic year.

The School of Theology Financial Aid Application can be completed online at the School of Theology website.

Required Documentation

Two documents are required to satisfy the financial aid application process at Boston University School of Theology. First, the student must have the results of the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) for the upcoming academic year sent to Boston University, Title IV code 002130. Students can file their FAFSA online. Five to seven business days are often necessary for the completion of this requirement, so the student should plan accordingly. Second, the student should send in the completed STH Financial Aid Application Form, making sure to indicate which kinds of aid are being applied for. This form can be found on the STH website or requested from the School directly by calling 617-353-3053. All U.S. citizens and Permanent Residents, regardless of degree program, type of scholarship, or eligibility for financial aid, are required to submit both documents. International students studying under a student visa only need to send in the School of Theology Financial Aid Application Form.

Virtually every student who applies receives some form of financial aid. The following is a list of the kinds of financial aid available to students at the School of Theology:

1. Scholarships for Merit: Boston University School of Theology continues a tradition of awarding significant scholarships to students who apply with evidence of high academic distinction. Students applying for the Master of Divinity, Master of Theological Studies, and Master of Sacred Music programs are eligible to be considered for a Scholarship for Merit. A completed application must be received by February 1 of the current academic year. All applicants with a minimum 3.3 grade point average are automatically reviewed. Other criteria for selection include letters of recommendation and the personal statement. Successful candidates are those who demonstrate good scholarship, good character, and commitment to ministry. This award is not available to international students.  The amount of the Scholarship for Merit varies. All recipients will receive at least an amount equal to full tuition at the School of Theology. Selected students may receive stipends in varying amounts. Stipends must be applied to educational expenses or living expenses related to the student’s education. Scholarships for Merit are awarded for the academic year, September to May. They are renewable each year upon the annual evaluation of the recipient’s grade point average (3.3 minimum), character, and commitment to ministry. All awards are for a maximum of three academic years of full-time study (two years in the case of the Master of Theological Studies and Master of Sacred Music). See below for information about Doctor of Theology and Doctor of Philosophy Doctoral Fellowships. Scholarships for Merit are awarded before initial enrollment in the School of Theology, however, money is not available to the student until the first day of classes. Students who do not receive a Scholarship for Merit upon matriculation to the School of Theology cannot be considered for one in subsequent academic years.
2. Tuition Scholarships: All students who apply for financial aid and do not receive a Scholarship for Merit will be considered for a tuition scholarship. These awards are based on need, the availability of funds, satisfactory academic progress, and registration criteria. Scholarships for 70% of tuition are available to Master of Divinity students, 55% to Master of Theological Studies and Master of Sacred Music students, 40% to Master of Sacred Theology students who matriculate in the 2011/2012 academic year (with an anticipated 35% tuition scholarship for students who matriculate in the 2012/2013 academic year), and 45% to Doctor of Ministry students.  Tuition scholarships are awarded for the academic year, September to May. They are renewable each year upon the annual evaluation of the recipient’s grade point average (2.7 minimum), character, and commitment to ministry. All awards are for a maximum of three academic years of full-time study (two years in the case of the Master of Theological Studies, Master of Sacred Music, and Doctor of Ministry; one year in the case of Master of Sacred Theology).
3. Federal Work-Study: This program is designed to help qualified students meet education expenses through employment. Jobs are available both on campus and in approved nonprofit organizations off campus. The School of Theology receives a limited amount of federal funds; preference is given to returning students who had a work-study job in the previous academic year and remaining funds are awarded to incoming students with the greatest financial need on a first-come, first-served basis.
4. Perkins Loans: This is a federally funded, long-term educational loan program designed to assist students with exceptional need. There are no interest charges on a Perkins Loan until six months after half-time enrollment ceases. At that time, repayment begins and a five-percent simple interest is charged. The School of Theology receives a limited amount of federal funds; preference is given to returning students who had a Perkins Loan in the previous academic year and remaining funds are awarded to incoming students with the greatest financial need on a first-come, first-served basis.
5. Federal Direct Stafford Loans: (formerly Stafford) The Stafford Loan program is administered by the Boston University Financial Assistance Office. Eligibility for participation in the Stafford Loan program is determined by the submission of the Free Application for Federal Student Assistance (FAFSA). Students registered for at least 6 credit hours are eligible to apply for a Stafford Loan. Note that Boston University is an approved direct lender for the Stafford Loan.
6. Additional scholarships Scholarships, grants, and loans are available from a number of denominational, humanitarian, and other agencies. The School of Theology is aware of some outside scholarships for qualified students and assumes that students will apply for any and all outside funds for which they are eligible. The School of Theology maintains a web page of all outside award opportunities it is aware of, but it is not meant to be an exhaustive list. In addition, students are expected to indicate on the STH Application for Financial Assistance any awards for which they are applying and to notify the School of Theology in writing of any outside awards received.

Doctor of Theology/Doctor of Philosophy Financial Aid and Doctoral Fellowships

In addition to receiving full tuition scholarships, all students in the Doctor of Theology and Doctor of Philosophy programs receive fellowships of varying amounts in the first three years of their program. The size of the fellowship is made on the basis of a number of factors including, especially, previous academic excellence. The Federal Direct Stafford/Ford Loan program is also open to students in the Doctor of Theology and Doctor of Philosophy programs.

First consideration for fellowships will be given to those students whose Application for Admission to the Doctor of Theology or Doctor of Philosophy degree program is completed by December 15 of the current academic year. Doctor of Theology and Doctor of Philosophy students are required to register for at least 8 credit hours per semester to be eligible to receive financial aid.

Students receiving tuition assistance will receive aid that covers the first three years of full-time study. All fellowship recipients must maintain a minimum grade point average of 3.3, and comply with all requirements detailed in their fellowship award letter.

Loan Funds

Students may be eligible for the following loan programs.

The Board of Higher Education and Ministry of the United Methodist Church offers regular students who are United Methodists the opportunity to borrow up to $1,200 per calendar year. A service credit, not to exceed 10 percent of the total amount owed at the time the repayment schedule is set up, is offered to persons entering church-related service professions. Applications are available through the GBHEM website.

The New England Education Society makes interest-free loans available to students who are committed to full-time church vocations. The maximum amount that can be borrowed in any one year is $3000. Applications may be secured through the Registration & Financial Aid Office. When applying for this loan the student must understand that current addresses will be given to the New England Education Society by the registrar and the Alumni Office upon request. However, it is the student’s responsibility to provide current addresses to the Society.

Other Awards and Scholarships

The Alfred Harlow Avery Scholarship is awarded to one student in either the entering MDiv or ThD class at the end of the previous recipient’s degree program. The award is $25,000 per annum and is renewable each year during an MDiv student’s three-year, or a ThD student’s four-year, program. Eligibility for the Avery Scholarship is determined by criteria set by the dean of the School of Theology.

The Mary McLeod Bethune Scholarship has been established to provide financial assistance for students from racial minority groups in the United States. Scholarships are awarded annually on the basis of need. Preference is given to first-year students.

The Oxnam-Liebman Scholarship: The Clara and Joseph Ford Fund of $5,000 was established in 1945 in honor of Bishop G. Bromley Oxnam and Rabbi Joshua L. Liebman. The income makes possible the Oxnam-Liebman Scholarship for the Advancement of Interracial Understanding, awarded annually to an outstanding second-year student who plans to specialize in Semitics, social ethics, or philosophy of religion in the senior year.

The National United Methodist Scholarship Seminary Awards: The United Methodist Church awards a national United Methodist scholarship annually to candidates from the Master of Divinity program.

The Dr. Howard B. Warren Endowment Fund was established to provide eight or more scholarships for needy students preparing for the parish ministry of the United Methodist Church. A maximum of $500 may be given to each first-year Master of Divinity student from the dividends of this endowment.

A listing of additional scholarship resources is available through the Financial Assistance Office

Alumni Doctoral Fellowships

A small number of doctoral fellowships are available for any BU STH graduate from any degree program who is presently doing or going on to do doctoral-level work at Boston University.

• To be eligible, students must have graduated with at least a 3.5 GPA. Students must be enrolled in a doctoral degree program at Boston University and have maintained at least a 3.5 GPA in their graduate coursework. Students may apply before actually being enrolled in a doctoral program if they are expecting to graduate at the time of the application.
• Some fellowships will be awarded in lesser amounts for students after the completion of coursework. Awards will not be made after the third year.
• Merit will also be considered in awarding these funds, with current graduate GPA forming the primary measure, but also taking into account the student’s application statement and the letter of recommendation received from the student’s primary advisor.

Each applicant must submit the following required materials:

1. A letter of evaluation from a member of the BU STH faculty that reviews the candidate’s character, scholarship, and promise of creative contributions.
2. A printed BU unofficial student transcript.
3. A careful statement of intellectual and vocational goals. This will be particularly significant in the faculty’s assessment of the candidate’s suitability for a fellowship.
4. The application.

For further details please contact the Administrative Coordinator for the Associate Dean for Academic Affairs Nathan Bieniek by email at nbieniek@bu.edu.

Mail To:
Office of the Associate Dean
Boston University School of Theology
745 Commonwealth Ave, Suite 110
Boston, MA 02215
617-353-3050

Among the many different kinds of fellowships available, some have specific conditions or focus, such as: (1) students of Hebrew, Greek, Latin, etc. (Lucinda Beebe, Edmund Beebe); (2) the most outstanding woman student in any degree program who is beyond her first year (Hester Beebe); (3) a student with demonstrated excellence in homiletics (Charles Jefferson); (4) a doctoral candidate qualified to help other students learn pastoral psychology through supervised experience in pastoral care (Paul Johnson); and (5) an outstanding second-year student planning to specialize in Semitic studies, social ethics, or philosophy of religion and committed to the advancement of interracial understanding. If a student appears to be a particularly strong candidate for one of these, the faculty letter of evaluation should address the pertinent area of the candidate’s work and interests.

Each fellowship is subject to the following regulations, which an applicant automatically accepts in filing an application:

1. The cash fellowship can be claimed only upon clear evidence of enrollment as a regular student in a university approved by the faculty. Such enrollment shall normally involve a study load of 12 credit hours per semester.
2. The fellowship will be payable in two equal sums, one per semester term.
3. The entire fellowship must be used in line with the previous restrictions before the expiration of the academic year (July 1 – June 30) after election to the fellowship. Otherwise, all further claims to the fellowship or any remaining part of it will be forfeited.
4. Fellowship funds will not be awarded beyond a student’s third year of his or her doctoral program.

The Jacob Sleeper Fellowship: In 1890, the Trustees established a fellowship in memory of the Honorable Jacob Sleeper, one of the incorporators of the University. This fellowship is awarded on nomination of the faculty of the School of Theology and is to be used for advanced study in Boston, Europe, the Middle East, or elsewhere, as the faculty may determine.

The great value to the church of such a foundation is shown by the many graduates of the School who have, by means of this fellowship, already prepared themselves by postgraduate study for the responsible and influential posts to which they have been called.

The Frank D. Howard Fellowship: This fellowship was established by the generosity of Mr. Frank D. Howard of Chicopee Falls, Massachusetts, and is subject to the same conditions as the Jacob Sleeper Fellowship.

The Roswell R. Robinson Fellowship: Established by Mrs. Helen Robinson Richards of Malden, Massachusetts, in memory of her father, the late Roswell R. Robinson, an associate founder of the University, this yields the same amount as the preceding fellowships and is subject to the same conditions.

Alumnae/i Fellowships: An alumnae/i fellowship yielding $1,000 was established in 1914. It is granted on the same conditions as the preceding fellowships.

The Lucinda Bidwell Beebe Fellowship: A fund of $10,000 was established by and in memory of Lucinda Bidwell Beebe. The income is available for postgraduate students of merit to help them perfect their studies in Hebrew, Greek, Latin, and other subjects as they may choose. It may be awarded to the same person for more than one year.

The Reverend Edmund M. Beebe Fellowship: A fund of $10,000 was established in memory of the Reverend Edmund M. Beebe by his grandson, Victor Wilbour, and is subject to the same conditions as the Lucinda Bidwell Beebe Fellowship.

The Hester Ann Beebe Fellowship: A fund of $10,000 was established in memory of Hester Ann Beebe by her niece, Miss Theodora Wilbour. The income is available for women students in the School of Theology and the Division of Theological and Religious Studies who have done meritorious work as candidates for postgraduate degrees. The fellowship may be awarded to the same woman for more than one year.

The Charles E. Jefferson Fellowship: Established in honor of Charles E. Jefferson, this fellowship is subject to the same conditions as the Jacob Sleeper Fellowship, with the added condition that the nominee must demonstrate excellence in the field of preaching.

The Paul and Evelyn Johnson Fellowship in Pastoral Psychology: This fellowship was established by Dr. and Mrs. Paul E. Johnson in 1965 to make it possible for qualified graduate students to participate in the teaching tasks whereby “pastoral psychology is seeking to bring the insights of psychology and theology into working relationship with the ministry of pastoral care.” The founding statement recognizes the importance of clinical methods and small-group approaches for the evaluation of the pastoral experience of students. The fellowship is awarded annually to a doctoral candidate who is qualified to help other students learn pastoral psychology through supervised experience in pastoral care.

The William Jackson and Anna Worden Lowstuter Fellowship: This fellowship was established by the William Jackson and Anna Worden Lowstuter Fellowship Trust and is subject to the same conditions as the Jacob Sleeper Fellowship.

The David H. Tribou Fellowship: This fellowship, established by a bequest of Mrs. Frances T. Tinsman in memory of Chaplain D. H. Tribou, United States Navy, is awarded upon nomination of a candidate by the faculty to provide a fellowship to a graduate student or students in the School of Theology.

Edgar Sheffield Brightman Theology Fund: This award was established in 1963 with generous gifts from the professor’s widow, Irma Fall Brightman, which she made on the tenth anniversary of his death. Gifts from the late professor’s friends, colleagues, and former students also enhanced the fund. Dr. Brightman was a member of the Boston University Philosophy Department from 1919 until his death in 1953. He was also the University’s first Borden Parker Bowne Professor of Philosophy. The fund is awarded to one or more postgraduate students of merit from any seminary, foreign or American, provided that they have had two semesters of satisfactory advanced study at Boston University.

Bishop L. J. Birney Fellowship Fund: This annual fellowship is awarded to graduate students enrolled at the School of Theology.

John F. Richardson Fund: This fellowship gift of the late Reverend Robert D. Richardson, a friend of Boston University and associate chaplain at Boston State Hospital, was given in 1964 in memory of his son, John Fyffe Richardson. This fellowship provides support for individuals doing research in pastoral care and interpersonal relations at the School of Theology. Recipients of this award shall be men and women of high intellectual distinction.

Self-Support

Opportunities for self-support are available in the metropolitan Boston area. The University provides a placement service for students seeking part-time and summer employment. Students may contact the Student Employment Office located at 881 Commonwealth Avenue; 617-353-3594.

Many students serve as interns in teaching parishes or as student assistants, student pastors, or church musicians in Boston and other New England churches. Information about such positions may be secured through Admissions or the Contextual Education Office at 617-353-3037.

Course Load Restrictions: Some students, because of heavy financial obligations or other reasons, find themselves involved in remunerative employment that demands so much time and energy that they do not have adequate time to devote to their studies. A full academic load (four courses) requires a minimum of 48 hours per week in study and classes; hence, any remunerative employment must be seen as adding to a normally full week.

The work load of employment includes on-the-job time, preparation, and travel time, if these are significant factors. Consequently, any student whose work load of remunerative employment exceeds 20 hours per week (making a minimum workweek of 68 hours), and whose cumulative grade point average is below 3.3, is allowed to register for a maximum of three courses per semester. Similarly, first-year students serving as pastors are limited to three courses per semester.